With the King and the Man Wind... Visitors to Cheongnyeongpo in ‘The Land of Danjong’ Increased Fivefold
The popularity of the film 'The King and the Man' has resulted in a significant increase in visitors to Cheongnyeongpo, a historical site related to King Danjong.
The movie 'The King and the Man', which stars King Danjong, has sparked a tourist boom in Yeongwol, Gangwon Province, particularly at Cheongnyeongpo, which is a key setting in the film. During the recent Lunar New Year holiday period, the Yeongwol Cultural Tourism Foundation reported that 10,641 visitors flocked to Cheongnyeongpo, marking over fivefold growth compared to the same period last year when only 2,006 visitors were recorded. The only means of accessing Cheongnyeongpo during this time is via a ferry, resulting in long lines at the dock as visitors eagerly seek to experience the historical landscape depicted in the film.
Cheongnyeongpo is significant as it is the site where King Danjong was exiled and features historical remnants that resonate with his life. The site is notable for its isolation, surrounded by water on three sides and steep cliffs on the land side, which has made it a ‘heavenly prison’ that he could not escape from by land. Visitors to Cheongnyeongpo can immerse themselves in the historical emotional turmoil and isolation that King Danjong must have felt during his tragic exile, making it a poignant pilgrimage for fans of the film and history alike.
The Yeongwol government plans to capitalize on this movie-induced interest by conducting cultural festivals related to King Danjong, aiming to sustain the increased visitor interest beyond the film's release. Various other landmarks associated with King Danjong, such as the Gwanpungheon and Jakyuru, are also experiencing a surge in tourist numbers, highlighting the deep connection between the film's themes and the historical events surrounding King Danjong’s life and tragic end, which resonates with many visitors looking to understand Korea's historical narrative.